Philippine Society for Microbiology Incorporated – Northern Luzon Chapter (PSM – NL) in partnership with Benguet State University (BSU) hosted the 25th Regional Convention and Scientific Meeting at the BSU Gymnasium on March 27-28, 2025. The activity aimed to bring together enthusiasts, interested students, and experts from different institutions to promote collaboration and innovation with the theme “Local Actions, Global Impacts: Sustainability within Regional Boundaries through Microbial Education and Research.”
The convention and scientific meeting was participated by faculty, staff, researchers, and students from BSU, University of Baguio (UB), University of Cordillera (UC), Northern Christian College(NCC), Saint Louis University (SLU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Northwestern University (NWU), Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), and the Philippine Science High School (PSHS)– Ilocos Region campus.
During the Opening Program, PSM – NL President Elpidio P. Cadalzo Jr. thanked all the speakers and BSU for hosting the activity mentioning that this will be a new opportunity for more collaborations between the University and PSM-NL in the future. “I am confident that the sessions we will have will lead to meaningful collaborations, new ideas, and commitment to the vital work that lies ahead,” Cadalzo said.
In response, BSU VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres congratulated the PSM – NL for reaching 25 years. Lumbres also thanked the PSM – NL and the BSU faculty and staff for doing a good job in preparing for the activity.
“Indeed, Microbiology is a very important field not only to Biology but also in other sciences such as agriculture, aquatic, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, veterinary medicine, environmental protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and others,” Lumbres added.
BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan through his Executive Assistant, Maridel P. Langbis stated that BSU supports the initiative of PSM – NL. He encouraged the participants to continue fueling their passion in discovery.
“We recognize the PSM North Luzon Chapter’s dedication in promoting microbiology as a driving force for sustainable development. To all researchers, educators, students, and professionals, your contributions are invaluable. May this event fuel your passion for discovery and reinforce our collective commitment to science and sustainability,” Laruan said. PSM Inc. President Ursela G. Bigol also encouraged the participants to enjoy and learn from the speakers and their presentations hoping to inspire more future microbiologists.
The Opening Program included the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the exhibits and poster presentations. This was later followed by lectures, product demonstrations, and a poster making competition. Over the two-day activity, there were a total of four researches presented to the participants. The key speakers are: Assistant Professor Kiara Nicole D. Rodriguez from the University of the Philippines- Department of Biology; Sittie Aisha B. Macabago from the University of Santo Tomas-Department of Biological Sciences; Assistant Professor Rhea G. Abisado-Duque from the Ateneo de Manila University- Department of Biology; and Sherlyn C. Tipayno, Dean of the BSU-College of Natural Sciences (CNS).
Faculty members from the BSU College Veterinary Medicine and CNS were also introduced as new members of the PSM. They are Beverly B. Tagatac, Keneth L. Olosan, Edlyn Mae N. Ciano, Jovelyn G. Lampac, Mark Stephen S. Ballog, and Elizabeth T. Dom-ogen. CNS faculty members Jennifer C. Paltiyan-Bugtong and Marjury M. Tabon were also recognized as new officers of the PSM. Paltiyan-Bugtong is the new PSM Industrial Microbiology Representative and Tabon is the new Veterinary Microbiology Representative. Marivic B. Nakake-Panisan of BSU also won 2nd Place at the oral presentation competition.//EBawang